Looking ahead 2018–19

Priority activities for the Queensland Government for 2018–19 include:

Education

• delivering initiatives under the Youth Engagement Project to support achievement of the Queensland Government’s goal for 91% of young Queenslanders engaged in education, training or work by 2022
• implementing the Youth Employment Program to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students in obtaining their educational aspirations
• maintaining Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation scholarship funding to continue supporting Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary high school students
• continuing to build on the Transition 2 Success program’s achievements for young people in Youth Justice, or at risk of entering Youth Justice
• extending the Young Tourism Leaders Program with over 20 new appointments, to continue to promote tourism careers, with leaders presenting in schools, engaging with vocational and tertiary students and participating in careers events
• releasing a new behaviour framework for Queensland state schools supported through statewide professional development
• partnering with Central West Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board to deliver the Regional STEM Pop-up in Maryborough
• developing communication materials and support materials assisting schools to effectively engage with parents to provide inclusive education for students with disability
• developing and implementing a statewide continuum of educational delivery to ensure students with complex mental health or chronic health conditions receive specialised and appropriate educational support at all stages of their illness
• creating a continuously improving education system that promotes self-review, use of evidence to inform policy and teacher practice so that every student receives the support needed to belong to the school community, engage purposefully in learning and experience academic success
• managing dual systems in 2019—finalising implementation of the current senior assessment and tertiary entrance system with Year 12 students and commencing implementation of the new QCE system with Year 11 students’
• providing coaching and resources to identified schools to lift the literacy outcomes for English as an Additional Language or Dialect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
• developing professional learning resources to better prepare families in remote communities to support their children transition to boarding school
• developing and delivering professional learning resources to support cultural capability of teachers to confidently embed the cross-curriculum priority, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures as outlined in the Australian Curriculum
• embedding the voluntary national Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher certification process for eligible Queensland state school teachers statewide in 2019
• commencing the delivery of the $107 million Teaching Queensland’s Future strategy to meet the increasing demand for teachers in Queensland state schools
• embedding an early learning development focus in family support services through the Pathways for Early Learning Development initiative in 12 communities across Queensland
• investing in Early Years Places in more than 50 communities across Queensland
• Early Years Places provide a mix of activities including playgroup, early childhood education and care, child and maternal health services, and family and parenting support
• developing and implementing a whole-of-government Early Years Plan to support Queensland children’s early learning and development
• establishing a new Early Years Place facility in Tara to improve accessibility for children and families
• continuing to support Queensland kindergartens to develop inclusive programs to support children with a disability to participate in kindergarten
• delivering greater access to kindergarten in up to 38 remote communities through the continuation of the Remote Kindergarten Pilot in state schools and in 15 communities through eKindy pods
• offering families with children under one year of age free playgroup membership through continued delivery of Play Stars in partnership with Playgroup Queensland
• fostering a highly skilled and capable early childhood workforce through ongoing implementation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Workforce Action Plan 2016–2019
• developing and implementing the Enhancing K-2 Continuity and Alignment Program, a coordinated strategic approach to alignment of kindergarten to Year 2 priorities, bringing cohesion to the early years and enhanced continuity of learning and development for children
• continuing to provide resources and support to promote a collaborative, networked approach across schools and early childhood services in partnership with families to support positive transitions to school
• launching and promoting the Early Years Health and Development portal providing one-stop access to information, tools and training on a range of early years health and development topics for staff working with children aged zero to eight, including regulatory staff in their role as authorised officers
• improving regulatory practices under the Regulating for Quality initiative to drive continual improvement in early childhood education and care
• delivering the Get Ready Queensland 2019 awareness campaign across the state to build community awareness and resilience to natural disasters
• continuing to exclusively license the World Science Festival Brisbane in Australia through its New York Foundation from 2019 to 2021
• delivering the signature National Science Week event in Longreach—Regional STEM Pop-up
• continuing to support growth of Queensland’s $4.37 billion IET sector through implementation of 36 initiatives under the IET Strategy to Advance Queensland 2016–2026
• implementing the Study Queensland positioning framework across Queensland
• delivering two rounds of the $1.2 million per annum IET Partnership Fund to consortia delivering initiatives aligned to the IET Strategy
• developing a maritime communication and safety and pollution messaging strategy targeting key messages and priorities derived from our research and understanding
• launching the $1 million Advancing Apprentices Fund to partner with industry to promote apprenticeship pathways and encourage more businesses to employ apprentices
• providing $4 million to contribute to the establishment of a specialist training facility to meet the needs of the fire protection and plumbing industry
• strengthening the Further Education and Training Act 2014, through the introduction of legislative provisions, to allow the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training to intervene in the cases of contested cancellations, stand downs and where there is inadequate training in apprenticeships and traineeships in Queensland
• launching an online learning and assessment program that will revolutionise driver education in Queensland and replace the outdated written road rules learner driver test
• the reform includes a supporting program for supervisors of learner drivers (PrepL Supervisor)
• continuing to partner with high schools across Queensland as part of the Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools program
• implementing two new DoE Court Liaison Officers at the Townsville and Brisbane Children’s Courts to work with and support at-risk young people to reengage into an appropriate education pathway
• commencing the implementation of the Advancing rural and remote education in Queensland state schools action plan —21 actions to be delivered over the next four years to ensure that every rural and remote state school student is supported to succeed (over $100 million — 2017–2021)
• delivering the Advancing Our Training Infrastructure (AOTI) commitment and regional infrastructure planning:
• the delivery of the up to $85 million AOTI commitment over three years to 2021 is part of the Queensland Government’s focus to revitalise key training infrastructure to meet contemporary training and skilling needs of communities and industries
• ongoing regional infrastructure planning and investment by the Queensland Government to future-proof and fit-for-purpose training infrastructure will take into consideration the challenges of constant shifts in regional populations, economies, workforce needs and training demand
• the challenges present opportunities to reshape and reinvent training delivery to produce the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and skilled Queenslanders, through strengthening partnerships with other government agencies (federal, state and local), industries and other education and training organisations (universities and schools)
• changes in the training infrastructure will occur to strengthen TAFE Queensland’s position as a premium public provider of training services and its capacity to remain adaptive to student preferences across face to face, digital and workplace based training delivery.

Community

• implementing the Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan 2018–2021 and the Celebrating Reconciliation Small Grants Program
• progressing the Queensland Government’s commitment to recognise traditional languages, to support measures to preserve and reinvigorate languages, and to promote Queensland as a state that values and embraces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and languages
• working with Torres Strait Islander people and across government to develop new laws to recognise the outcomes achieved by Torres Strait Islander families continued use of their traditional Torres Strait Islander child rearing practices
• supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to be actively involved in child protection decisions about their children through the new Family Participation Program
• supporting the trial of innovative ideas to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to keep their children safe at home, under the Empowering Families Innovation Grants
• continuing to work with discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to co-design domestic and family violence responses in their communities
• rolling out new Women’s Health and Wellbeing Support Services across Queensland to assist women to achieve social and economic independence and recover from their experiences of domestic and family violence, and other forms of gender-based violence
• progressing the proposal to create Sexual Assault Online Reporting in addition to the current Alternative Reporting Options process which provides an alternative option to making a formal complaint
• commencing a trial of two domestic and family violence coordinators within the Brisbane Police Communications Centre, with the aim to provide frontline officers with access to on-call dedicated specialist advice to assist when responding to domestic and family violence incidents
• continuing to implement the Queensland Women’s Strategy 2016–21 and report on delivery of initiatives included in the Community Implementation Plan
• continuing to implement the three-year Women on Boards Initiative, in partnership with Deloitte Access Economics (Deloitte), to increase women’s representation in leadership
• developing and implementing the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women led whole-of-government Youth Justice Strategy
• continuing to fund and support human and social recovery in disaster impacted communities, contributing to building the disaster resilience of individuals, communities and service providers
• developing initiatives that will continue to build upon and embed the groundwork that has already been achieved with the release and promotion of the Money Ready Toolkit and small to medium non-government business continuity toolkit (the Disaster Management and Recovery Toolkit)
• developing a new marketing strategy for the Queensland Government Community Recovery Ready Reserve to enable the workforce to grow and develop, ensuring a surge capability
• rolling out additional on-line learning modules for Ready Reserves to assist in developing their knowledge of their Community Recovery functional roles when they are part of the Event Management Team, and enhancing their overall knowledge of their role when assisting the community to recover
• rolling out an enhanced online Community Recovery Grants Portal and Client Relationship Management System
• hosting the annual Human and Social Recovery Forum
• continuing to provide support to local governments and disaster management groups to respond to natural and man-made events
• recruiting 62 additional frontline firefighters to ensure capability to respond to more intense and frequent weather events, and the needs of an ageing and geographically dispersed population
• reviewing Queensland’s volunteer marine rescue organisations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the marine rescue environment
• delivering a comprehensive, all-hazards approach to disaster resilience in Queensland, through the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2017
  • regional resilience pilots will evaluate various methodologies and approaches for a resilience delivery model which can then be rolled out across Queensland’s urban, coastal, rural and remote communities to achieve the Queensland Government’s goal of making Queensland the most disaster resilient state in Australia
• coordinating the delivery of the next phase of Queensland Government contributions to Logan Together and continue to support Logan Together with $255,000 per annum towards the backbone team operation
• finalising and implementing a nationally applicable place-based evaluation framework in partnership with the Australian Government
• finalising a monitoring, evaluation and learning plan and first phase report for Logan Together
• delivering a range of activities under Partnering for the future: advancing Queensland’s Community Services Industry 2017–25 strategy (2018–2019 Action Plan) including:
• Thriving Communities Grants for Neighbourhood Centres to enable skill building in collaboration, partnerships and other areas
• supporting industry workforce development by promoting training, skilling and employment opportunities, and growing the diversity and cultural capability of the industry workforce
• supporting the industry to utilise technology to improve services delivery and business operations
• reporting on the Partnering for the Future 2017-2018 Action Plan
• funding the development and testing of a safe, reliable and cost-effective locking system for managing entry to public housing properties through the Advance Queensland SBIR program
• delivering an enhanced Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program, with funding doubled to $2 million annually for three years from 2018-19 for multicultural events and projects promoting united, harmonious and inclusive communities
• inviting additional corporations, institutions and organisations to participate in the Multicultural Queensland Ambassador program
• continuing funding for 19 organisations to deliver activities under the Community Action for a Multicultural Society program to strengthen social connectedness
• continuing to promote water safety messages to migrants and refugees, international students and international visitors to Queensland
• continuing to support social and economic participation for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers
• developing a new Multicultural Action Plan 2019–2022 to implement the priorities of the Queensland Multicultural Policy
• developing and implementing additional activities to support promotion of the Multicultural Queensland Charter
• delivering Queensland Multicultural Month Activities in August 2018
• engaging Deloitte to conduct research to:
• identify the economic and social impact, including quantifying costs, to Queensland of under- utilising the skills and experiences of migrants and refugees due to their overseas qualifications not being recognised, and
• analyse existing programs in Queensland and other jurisdictions that support the better utilisation of migrants’ skills and experience
• constructing the $46.7 million Counter Terrorism and Community Safety Centre at Wacol, Brisbane for the QPS to increase capability in managing terrorism and other critical incidents
• continuing to deliver key initiatives of the Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Policy to reduce alcohol related harm in and around licensed venues and Queensland’s key entertainment precincts
• implementing and monitoring Queensland’s serious organised crime legislation reforms with the final phase of amendments commencing on 9 December 2018
• finalising the evaluation of the 14 reinstated Murri Courts
• commencing the evaluations of the Queensland Drug and Alcohol Court, Court Link and High Risk Youth Court
• expanding the Court Link program to Ipswich and Southport
• continuing implementation of the recommendations of the Not Now, Not Ever report through Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026
• supporting the Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council in its oversight and advocacy for implementation of domestic and family violence reforms
• continuing to rollout communications campaigns as part of a long-term engagement and communication strategy to change attitudes towards domestic and family violence
• developing a whole-of-government sexual violence prevention framework, incorporating a refresh of the Queensland Violence against Women Prevention Plan 2016–22
• allocating $12 million for priority actions to respond to youth sexual violence
• leading the Premier’s Anti-Cyber Bullying Taskforce and developing a framework for addressing cyber bullying in Queensland
• continuing to implement the Sofronoff Review reform package of $265 million over six years from 2016–17, including: improved end to end case management in the correctional system; expanded programs and re-entry services in correctional centres and probation and parole; expanded opioid substitution treatment programs; enhanced training programs for probation and parole officers
• providing additional funding of $9.4 million over two years to continue to address demand on the Probation and Parole Service
• providing funding of $3.9 million over three years to expand the Supreme Court Bail Program to male prisoners
• providing funding of $2.9 million in 2018–19 to improve service delivery for prisoners with a disability or mental illness
• launching the Citizen Science strategy to increase community participation in science and science-based activities
• investing $12.8 million in Queensland’s arts sector through contestable funding programs, including the Organisations Fund, Queensland Arts Showcase Program and Playing Queensland Fund
• awarding and supporting Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grants to continue community involvement with science-based activities
• delivering the Queensland Government's five-point plan to address safety for bus drivers with key actions being a grants program for bus operators relating to the installation of physical safety measures and delivery of a Bus Driver Safety Campaign to raise awareness about acceptable behaviour while travelling on public transport to provide a safer environment for everyone
• reinvigorating our statewide, regional and local safety messaging forums and interactions with individuals, industry and community groups, identifying key players and engage them using appropriate tools including social media and face to face
• continuing delivery of the Targeted Road Safety Program and Community Road Safety Program
• continuing the Community Road Safety Grants Program with two funding streams available for Community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Queensland—smaller projects that can run up to 12 months and larger scale programs that can be delivered to multiple sites and for up to three years
• delivering on the Road Safety Action Plan 2017–2019
• commission the Animal Welfare Advisory Board to conduct a review regarding the welfare of companion animals and provide recommendations to government
• maintain the Shark Control Program that provides safe and secure Queensland beaches.

Regions

• continuing to support private sector investment and job creating projects in regional Queensland through the now $150 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund — the Fund was boosted by $20 million in the 2018–19 Budget, taking the total funds available to $150 million
• leveraging the benefits for Queensland from the Australian Government’s Northern Australia Development agenda and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
• continuing to deliver the BTW program in both Regional and SEQ, including the $155 million commitment for the regional program and the $20.5 million 2018–19 budget announcement for areas of SEQ that continue to experience significant labour market challenges
• implementing the joint departmental youth response with the Cherbourg and Murgon communities to engage young people in positive, meaningful activities to reduce the impact of youth offending in the South Burnett region
• delivering new domestic and family violence shelter in Roma and Charters Towers
• delivering a new accommodation facility in Townsville to enable young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from remote communities to access education and employment opportunities
• developing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan aimed at improving housing outcomes and addressing complex challenges in urban, regional, and remote areas and in discrete communities
• delivering a $10 million Outback Tourism Infrastructure fund, as well as a $2.2 million contribution towards the expansion and refurbishment of the Australian Workers Heritage Centre in Barcaldine
• implementing the $25 million Great Barrier Reef Rejuvenation Package and $25 million Great Keppel Island Recovery Pilot to rejuvenate island resorts and offer world class experiences to visitors
• continuing to work with stakeholders on North Stradbroke Island to deliver initiatives under the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy, including prioritisation of projects to accelerate the delivery of economic and social benefits
• providing additional support to the Advancing Regional Innovation Program, which has partners working together to harness innovation all over Queensland
• hosting the 2018 Export Week from 8 to 19 October 2018, incorporating a regional program for the Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioners to engage with Queensland companies interested in exporting and/or attracting foreign investment
• developing Trade and Investment Regional Action Plans across 12 Queensland regions and continuing to identify new opportunities to build capability and capacity of Queensland businesses to export and attract investment
• establishing the Startup Onramp Regional Program to deliver 12-week training programs giving aspiring entrepreneurs the skills they need to launch and grow their company
• implementing the Regional Internet of Things program to fund local projects helping local business, communities and councils to trial the use of connected devices on farms, in factories and in towns
• continuing to deliver Innovate Queensland workshops and webinars with increased emphasis on supporting regional businesses and encouraging collaboration within and across industries and with Queensland research organisations and government agencies
• continuing to deliver the Flying Scientists program in partnership with the Wonder of Science
• improving access to Innovate Queensland My Innovation Advisory Services by regional businesses through targeted promotion of the program
• providing a further $25 million in 2018-19 through the Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program to projects addressing water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure within Queensland’s 16 Indigenous local governments, providing economic, employment and capacity building opportunities
• continuing to work with local governments across the state to ensure and enable SES capability, and to ensure the ongoing delivery of an effective emergency services response
• complete construction of the Yeppoon Rail Upgrade, enabling livestock services to access the JBS processing facility at Rockhampton
• continuing and evaluating the Local Fare Scheme, an airfare subsidy that aims to improve the standard of living of local residents in regional and remote Queensland
• continuing to roll out Regional Transport Plans across the state for consultation
• continuing to work with regions to create cruise tourism opportunities
• providing a $70 million targeted investment in local government transport infrastructure each year, through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme
• progressing the 10-year action plan for major flood mitigation works in the Bundaberg region
• partnering with Welcoming Cities to advance understanding of opportunities for attracting and retaining migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and international students in regional Queensland
• establishing four Centres for Learning and Wellbeing across rural and remote Queensland to support professional learning, school leader capability development as well as provide wellbeing services to departmental staff, students and their families
• continuing to lead the design and support delivery of the community resilience elements of the Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals Province
• announcing successful projects for Round 4 of the Building our Regions program and continuing the roll out of the program in partnership with local governments
• implementing the Advancing Our Cities and Regions Strategy in partnership with Queensland Treasury, to renew and repurpose surplus and underutilised state property to deliver economic, community and financial outcomes for Queenslanders
• investing in replacement police stations at Gordonvale, Caboolture, Aurukun, Howard and Kilcoy to support road safety and provide enhanced public safety capabilities
• developing a long-term public safety strategic communications strategy which incorporates specific focus on regional radio capability to support public safety agencies’ emergency response
• delivery of two new rotary wing aircraft to continue providing lifesaving, community safety and government support aviation services to North and Far North Queensland
• continuing to deliver the Regional Arts Services Network including the employment of dedicated Regional Arts Officers across the state to foster, facilitate and promote the sustainable growth and development of regional and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts initiatives
• continuing to invest in the Backing Indigenous Arts Performing Arts program initiated in 2017-18, to strengthen the Indigenous performing arts sector in Far North Queensland including creation of career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers, and the development and showcase of new work at the revitalised Cairns Centre of Contemporary Arts
• continuing to ensure regional Queenslanders have access to the arts by investing in regional arts organisations through the Organisations Fund and supporting regional artists and arts projects through contestable funding programs including the Playing Queensland Fund
• promoting agricultural industry development and jobs in rural communities through $3.3 million for the Rural Economic Development Grants program package
• enhancing rural job skills with a further $1 million for the successful Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance and to extend the Queensland Agricultural Workforce Network
• provide existing drought relief arrangements to drought affected communities, and invest in the Queensland Drought and Climate Adaptation Program to improve farm business capacity, seasonal forecasting and decision support tools that enable producers to better manage climate risk
• provide a further $2.5 million in grants for the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative for wild dog exclusion cluster fencing in western and southern Queensland in drought affected communities
• provide the remainder of $100,000 to each of the Rockhampton, Mackay and Cairns local governments to help promote their net-free zones
• establishing four Rural and Remote Centres for Learning and Wellbeing each providing a point of contact for teachers, school leaders and non-teaching staff to access high quality professional learning and expert advice to build capability and provide wellbeing services to departmental staff, students and their families ($31.116 million — 2017–2021).

Economy

• implementing new initiatives under the 2018-19 State Budget including:
• the IndustryTech fund to back projects that develop and deploy cross-cutting technologies in Queensland
• the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub to develop more skills in AI and to connect business with AI startups and researchers
• the expansion of the Precinct in Fortitude Valley, which helps connect Queensland startups with each other and support networks so they can grow and develop
• extension of the Hot DesQ program, which attracts startups from interstate and overseas to come to Queensland to share their connections and experience with local startups
• delivering the 2017 Queensland Made election commitment by establishing manufacturing hubs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton to bring together manufacturers, educational institutions and state and local governments to generate advanced manufacturing capabilities, resulting in new jobs and driving an innovative regional economy
• facilitating 24 major projects, including resource, tourism and clean energy projects, with capital expenditure of approximately $36.7 billion and supporting up to 17,000 construction jobs and 16,300 operational jobs
• facilitating the successful delivery of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, a $3.6 billion Integrated Resort Development
• continuing to drive the Advance Queensland initiative within the wider Queensland community, including the delivery of the Queensland Government’s election commitments:
• Ignite Ideas Fund—to help Queensland businesses to commercialise market ready innovative ideas
• Industry Research Fellowships—to support PhD qualified researchers in undertaking original research that will benefit Queensland
• Female Founders program—to enable female founders to start and grow their business and researchers to continue developing their work
• Deadly Innovation Program—designed to create pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovators to turn their ideas into reality
• investing in even more high growth Queensland businesses and jobs of the future through the Advance Queensland Business Development Fund—the Fund was boosted by $40 million in the 2018-19 Budget, taking total investment funds available to $80 million
• ongoing delivery of Innovate Queensland workshops, webinars, events and My Innovation Advisory Services, specifically aimed at supporting businesses with market ready products and services to increase the rate of commercialisation, economic growth, collaboration and employment opportunities
• reforming the Biodiscovery Act 2004, in consultation with stakeholders, to drive research, innovation and commercialisation, and position Queensland at the forefront of biodiscovery in Australia and internationally
• facilitating the 2018 AusBiotech National Conference, including the Early Stage Investment Event that will profile Queensland’s life sciences to national and international delegates, and provide an opportunity to meet global leaders and investors
• developing a strategy for science that engages industry and the university sector in developing world class science that leads to commercialisation of discoveries and high value jobs for Queenslanders
• increasing economic participation outcomes for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the implementation of the whole-of-government Moving Ahead strategy to increase participation in training and employment and business ownership and development
• increasing the growth and development of a diverse and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector through the implementation of the Queensland Government’s Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Procurement Policy
• continuing the EQuIP which provides, evidence-based investment to build the enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business acumen fit-for-ambition and the capacity of the Indigenous Business Sector to achieve equitable growth and success across all procurement opportunities
• enhancing the Black Business Finder (BBF) as an Indigenous Business Supply Management Platform
• BBF is a sophisticated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and controlled business directory attracting self-registering businesses which recognise the commercial benefit of promoting access to government and industry buyers
• it provides efficient quality assured search access for government and industry buyers, certification of ownership, and data analytics for improving procurement performance and capability investment
• evaluating return on investment of programs designed and delivered to secure increased economic participation of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• launching and delivering a new Advance Queensland program to support and showcase regional capability in Internet of Things technologies and applications, to solve real world, local challenges and create the jobs of the future
• progressing reforms arising from the 2017 release of the Queensland Building Plan to create a safer, fairer, more sustainable construction industry
• delivering the $48.6 million Attracting Tourism Fund (ATF) that will invest in landmark new attractions and infrastructure projects to increase economic contribution, jobs and overnight visitor expenditure for Queensland
• this includes an allocation of $10 million to the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund for further airline route development
• supporting more international and domestic aviation access to Queensland, securing new services from priority markets, through the Advance Queensland: Connecting with Asia 2016–2020 and through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, with $10 million has been allocated from the ATF
• exploring opportunities to deliver quality, consumer focused, nature based and adventure tourism offerings and Indigenous experience for visitors to Queensland
• continuing to implement Tourism and Events Queensland’s Events Strategy 2025, to secure more events to grow Queensland’s visitor economy
• continuing to focus on encouraging high value travellers to holiday in Queensland to grow overnight visitor expenditure, visitation and increase market share
• continuing to expand the economic value of cruise tourism across multiple sectors of the Queensland economy
• delivering a GC2018 legacy project, with the development of two sites and commencement of an incubator hub within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
• hosting SportAccord 2019, the world’s premier sport and business summit, on the Gold Coast from 5 to 10 May 2019, bringing together the key decision makers in international sport with representatives from more than 100 International Sports Federations including the International Olympic Committee
• developing a 10-year roadmap for the arts, cultural and creative sector to position the sector as a key driver in Queensland’s future
• continuing implementation of the whole-of-government Advancing Trade and Investment: Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017–2022, including:
• enhancing the experience of TIQ’s clients by providing a whole-of-government streamlined client management service for trade and investment in Queensland
• showcasing Queensland through attendance at major international trade events to promote Queensland’s export capacity and attract foreign direct investment
• developing future leaders by providing opportunities for select small to medium enterprises and recent graduates to participate in targeted in-market placements in TIQ’s overseas offices
• further expanding Queensland’s international footprint by opening a new Trade and Investment Queensland office in North America
• bolster the existing Trade and Investment Queensland office in Indonesia to maximise trade and investment opportunities for Queensland companies
• continuing to promote Queensland’s food and agribusiness, mining and resources sectors and emerging industries along with its innovative technologies, by leading trade and investment missions into key international markets, as well as by facilitating business meetings and events with visiting international delegations
• continuing to work across government agencies to maximise the ongoing and long-term benefits to the State of the successful Trade 2018 business and investment program at the GC2018
• undertaking a review of the impact and influence of digital disruption on small business through the Better Regulation Taskforce
• developing a package of regulatory reform initiatives as part of a bid for $60 million in funding under the Australian Government’s $400 million Small Business Regulatory Reform initiative
• coordinating the Business Impact Statement project, including an investment of $1.1 million over four years to establish small business consultation panels to assist agencies to consider small business impacts as part of policy development
• implementing a $1 million pilot program to support Queenslanders who want to create their own future job
• announcing successful applicants for the $20 million second round of Made in Queensland program
• implementing a Queensland Small Business Procurement Commitment
• continuing to advocate and represent Queensland small business through the Queensland Small Business Champion
• continuing to provide small businesses in Queensland the opportunity to meet with regulators from all three levels of government by delivering further Regulator Rally events
• undertaking a review of the Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016–2020
• continuing to deliver the Advancing Small Business Queensland grants programs
• continuing to deliver the Mentoring for Growth program
• releasing the 2018–19 Annual VET Investment Plan, which will detail the Queensland Government’s planned $777.9 million investment in VET and identify priority industries and strategies for training and skills development
• work with industry to investigate the feasibility of abolishing stamp duty on agricultural insurance products and reducing the reliance of primary producers on government assistance during natural disasters
• lead the implementation of the Queensland Government’s Driving Queensland Agriculture and Rural Jobs Growth policy to grow agriculture export capacity and enhance innovation throughout the agricultural supply chain, by increasing export opportunities for agribusiness in international markets to enhance economic growth
• continue to implement the Queensland agriculture and food research, development and extension roadmap and action plan, which aligns with the Advance Queensland agenda and drives innovation in Queensland’s agricultural and food industries
• provide $500,000 for research, development and extension to address knowledge gaps in pulse storage to support the rapidly expanding chickpea and pulses industry
• continue supporting and promoting agriculture technology, innovation and investment through AgFutures 2018
• release the final charter fishing action plan to grow a world class charter fishing industry
• continue to meet the state’s native forest and quarry material supply commitments outlined in various sales permits issued under the Forestry Act 1959.

Health and wellbeing

• delivering initiatives under the Health and Wellbeing Strategic Framework 2017–2026 to encourage and support more Queenslanders to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce smoking and practice sun safe behaviours
• implementing My Health for Life program to tackle growing rates of type 2 diabetes by addressing risk factors for people across Queensland
• supporting initiatives to increase the number of babies born healthier, including the First 1000 Days Australia initiative, which aims to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children the best possible start in life by addressing health needs from pre-conception to two years
• delivering initiatives and promoting awareness to achieve progress towards 95% immunisation coverage for Queensland children
• supporting the Queensland Government’s priority to reduce suicides in Queensland through Connecting Care to Recovery 2016–2021 and initiatives such as the Suicide Prevention in Health Services initiative
• aligning with the Queensland Government’s priority to reduce suicides in Queensland, the DoE will continue to build the capability of school staff to respond to students who show early signs of mental health difficulties or are at risk of suicide by implementing timely and appropriate support
• continuing delivery of $138.2 million over four years to provide additional infrastructure to support high quality mental health services
• investing $26.6 million to support enhancements to community mental health treatment services, with the aim of supporting individuals with severe and complex mental illness
• supporting implementation of the Action on Ice plan to address the use and harms associated with crystal methamphetamine, including preparation of a business case to establish a new 42 bed alcohol and other drugs residential rehabilitation and treatment facility in Rockhampton
• investing $77.4 million to support the continuation of initiatives to improve access to specialist outpatient services
• continuing the process of recruiting an additional 3500 nurses and midwives over four years to help meet safe nurse to patient ratios in public health facilities
• investing in new models of care, extending tele-enabled clinical services and providing general practitioners with access to real time patient information
• continuing to roll out the Digital Hospital Program, which is scheduled to deliver an integrated electronic medical records solution in 27 hospitals across the state
• investing $60.9 million to deliver a new Laboratory Information System for the pathology and forensic laboratories to streamline work processes and improve reliability
• continuing to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that have Alcohol Management Plans in place to support and assist in the management of alcohol in their communities
• continuing to support community residents in remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including Mossman Gorge and Coen, to seek Dry Place Declarations to reduce alcohol misuse and harm
• establishing the Kowanyama Men's Shed and Women's Meeting Place to provide safe, designated spaces for community skill building, recreational and health and wellbeing activities under the Closing the Gap initiative
• commencing work on the Cape York Splash Parks in Pormpuraaw, Napranum and Mapoon to provide positive health and wellbeing outcomes
• implementing the Child Safety Officer Health Liaison function, in collaboration with Queensland Health, to support earlier and effective responses to the health support needs of children and families who are known to the child protection system
• developing a Queensland sports and active recreation strategy to drive improvement in the delivery of sport and recreation opportunities for all Queenslanders and promote healthier and more active lifestyles
• funding the development of solutions which can drive behavioural change and optimise the prescription of medications within Emergency Departments through the Advance Queensland SBIR program
• introducing a Bill based on the based on the Queensland Law Reform Commission’s legislation to give effect to its recommendations to ensure reasonable and safe access to the termination of pregnancies and give health practitioners clarity around termination law
• implementing the Life’s best moments campaign to attract day trip and overnight (camping) visitation and encourage Queenslanders to experience Queensland National Parks
• investing $14 million dollars over four years to facilitate the planning, design and construction of rail trails across Queensland, to support active, healthy lifestyles and contribute to diversity in local economies through the growth and creation of small business
• finalising Queensland’s first Walking Strategy and investing $2.5 million over the next three years to deliver initiatives to support walking for transport and recreation
• investing over $67.5 million in 2018–19 and $240 million in total over four years for the design, construction and maintenance of cycling infrastructure and into programs to get more people riding throughout Queensland.

Environment

• facilitating renewable energy projects to support the Queensland Government’s commitment in achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030, including the construction of a $500 million solar farm by Acciona Energy on 1250 hectares of underutilised state-owned land at Aldoga in the Gladstone State Development Area
• leading the development of a comprehensive new waste strategy for Queensland, underpinned by a waste disposal levy
• delivering the first round of Resource Recovery Industry Development Program funding to participants to build the recycling, resource recovery and waste to energy industries
• leading the delivery of the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program, including enhancing regulation
• providing analytical laboratory services to create data that underpins Reef Report Cards and other government decision making within negotiated timeframes and quality standards
• implementing the QFleet Environmental Strategy
• leading the delivery of the Queensland Climate Change Response
• reinstating carbon emissions reporting for electricity and fuel use and air travel by the end of 2018, as part of the 2017 Queensland Climate Transition Strategy
• investing $97 million over three years on solar and energy efficiency measures with $40 million on solar photovoltaic systems and $57 million on energy efficiency measures, to reduce energy costs across Queensland state schools
• delivering sustainability initiatives to reduce operational costs of the Queensland Cultural Centre and Arts Statutory Bodies by improving energy performance, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
• continuing to engage and partner with industry to promote investment in ecotourism projects and experiences that balance the protection of our natural environment, tourism activities and provide community benefit, including progressing the Queensland Government’s adventure and nature based ecotourism program to deliver ecotourism experiences at five iconic natural landscapes: Wangetti Trail (Tropical North Queensland); Thorsborne Trail (Hinchinbrook Island); Whitsunday Island; Sunshine Coast; and Gold Coast Hinterland
• ongoing implementation of the Tourism Sector Climate Adaptation Plan in partnership with industry stakeholders
• progressing the Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program initiatives to redevelop the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and expand the public mooring and reef protection program in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
• additional public moorings and reef protection will add public access and protect delicate fringing reef systems
• generating and maintaining extensive fundamental datasets about Queensland’s natural resource and environmental assets, air quality and climate to ensure that the best available science and applied technical innovations are used to provide credible, evidence-based information to support decision making
• delivering an External Engagement Program for the Queensland Water Modelling Network that will foster capacity building, community of practice and innovation in the Queensland water modelling community
• continue to support agricultural industries in reef catchments to improve Great Barrier Reef water quality outcomes through adoption of improved practices by:
• ensuring coordinated on-ground support services, such as extension capacity building, pesticide education and compliance, and collaborative service delivery
• specialised extension services such as economic analysis to support the industry-led Best Management Practice programs
• validating improved and innovative management practices
• implementing Queensland’s Environmental Regulator Program, to improve Queensland’s environmental regulation for the benefit of the community, industry and our environment
• prosecuting of allegations of serious environmental harm and continuation of rehabilitation of land affected by underground coal gasification contamination
• establishing a taskforce to deal with nuisance odours in the Swanbank area
• the taskforce will be based locally and dedicated to investigating and responding to issues raised by the community
• progressing necessary legislative change to give effect to the signed MOU with the Australian Government and other states and territories, adopting a common assessment method and a single list for threatened species
• completing ecological assessment for 19 Great Barrier Reef and SEQ catchments, 18 river estuaries and Moreton Bay to determine waterway health and inform various Waterways Partnership Report Cards
• boosting the evidence base for measuring the effectiveness of vegetation management by establishing an enhanced scientific program for Statewide Landcover and Trees Study
• completing the potential species habitat model for all near threatened species listed in the Nature Conservation Act 1992
• releasing Version 11 of the Regional Ecosystem Mapping of the State, which will update the map to 2017 and include remnant vegetation
• allocating $200,000 to improve visitor ‘on park’ experiences and safety through capitalising on the latest technologies, specifically Augmented Reality
• the initiative will showcase and educate visitors on Queensland’s national parks and forests, aiding environmental protection and conservation while addressing customers’ expectations in the evolving digital world
• investing $600,000 to enhance the online presence of Queensland’s national parks and state forests
• the investment will make it simpler, faster and easier to locate and access information about Queensland’s nature-based destinations; boosting awareness and tourism
• releasing a discussion paper seeking public input on the future directions for the management of the Great Sandy Marine Park
• continuing to progress a long-term protected area strategy for the expansion and effective management of Queensland’s protected areas
• progressing implementation of a values-based framework for the management of parks and forests, including through planning instruments, management systems, monitoring programs and effectiveness evaluation and reporting
• continuing the delivery of capital works projects through a $35 million program to enhance critical infrastructure, including nature-based tourism opportunities, on national parks and other protected areas, and new, alternative or upgraded visitor facilities on island protected areas to assist recovery following Tropical Cyclone Debbie
• increasing funding to support the operation of a new ocean-going patrol vessel for the Great Barrier Reef Joint Field Management Program
• the Gladstone-based vessel will deliver an additional 230 days at sea focused on upholding zoning plan compliance and responding to the crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks
• conducting a significant pollution response exercise in the Torres Strait involving local communities, and state and Australian Government agencies to ensure that response capability is maximised
• continuing to develop TMR’s innovative fire risk assessment model that builds on the work of other agency partners in managing bushfire risk within the road reserve
• this will be complimented with the implementation of cultural burning guidelines prepared in late 2017–18 that will ensure the extensive knowledge of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities regarding bushfire hazard reduction is applied in the state- controlled road reserve
• continuing to protect marine communities, such as the Great Barrier Reef, during projects by:
• the application of innovative erosion and sediment control on infrastructure projects
• controlled use of herbicides through the investigation of new equipment and techniques for weed control
• land rehabilitation to protect key areas of concern by reducing sediment runoff
• undertaking legislative amendments to various legislation in the Natural Resources, Mines and Energy portfolio to ensure legislation remains contemporary and reflective of customer needs
• for example, introducing a dispute resolution process in the Land Act 1994 to assist lessees and sub-lessees with contractual arrangements involving state land
• continuing nationally-significant biosecurity responses and eradication programs including programs for red imported fire ants, white spot disease in prawns, and Panama disease tropical race 4
• investing $380,000 to tackle fruit flies in Bundaberg and trial regional agricultural data collection with Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers
• developing a Queensland Government policy on the future of timber production in state-owned native forests
• implementing the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 to ensure that fisheries resources are managed in a sustainable and responsible manner that recognises the interests of all Queenslanders
• implementing the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy: Our Next Five Years (2018–2023) and Action Plan
• leading the implementation of existing National Agreements and Partnerships and negotiations associated with proposed new Project Agreements to ensure adequate funding contributions for pest and weed management in drought-affected areas, established pest animal and weed management, and pest and disease preparedness and response programs.

People

• delivering improved housing outcomes for all Queenslanders by continuing to implement the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017–27 and Queensland Housing Strategy 2017–20 Action Plan, including the commencement of 599 homes and the completion of 410 homes through the Housing Construction Jobs Program
• delivering the third round of the $2.5 million Dignity First Fund, supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to live with dignity
• delivering the remaining homes to achieve 1141 dwellings through the National Partnership on Remote Housing agreement
• completing the construction of 22 residences in rural and remote communities to provide new accommodation for government employees, enabling provision of essential services in regional communities
• building empowered, resilient and thriving communities that are caring and inclusive of our most vulnerable Queenslanders including eight new neighbourhood and community centres in Queensland
• continuing to build on the success of Restorative Justice programs to improve youth justice outcomes for young people and improve community safety
• implementing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprenticeship scheme to build an inclusive workplace by building on diversity to represent the community we serve
• progressing further rounds of the Women in Construction Program and the Indigenous Trainee programs, as well as hosting an Indigenous Trainee Program in Central Queensland
• implementing the Queensland Government’s 2017 election commitment targeting the non- consensual sharing of intimate images
• maintaining White Ribbon accreditation through workplace initiatives that demonstrate zero tolerance to domestic and family violence
• continuing to invest in Queensland artists and arts workers through contestable funding programs including the Individuals Fund
• continuing to enhance volunteer operational capability through the QFES Volunteerism Strategy: Growing QFES Together by ensuring alignment with community needs and development of sustainable policies and programs to support fire, rescue and disaster management services across the state
• promoting, through Disability Action Week 2018, that everybody in communities, business and industry – has a role to play in achieving on All Abilities Queensland, supported by a dedicated website, new stories, the calendar of events, and collateral for event organisers and others that will be freely available to all
• designing fresh video and static content to share inspiring stories about advances by people with disability in the priority action areas of communities for all, lifelong learning, employment, everyday services, and leadership and participation
• transitioning to the NDIS through the third year of implementation, which will continue until 30 June 2019
• releasing and commencing implementation of the new TMR Disability Action Plan 2018–2022, improving the accessibility of the Queensland passenger transport system for people with disability
• developing a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2018–2020, with a vision to nurture a thriving workplace where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities feel valued and respected
• creating a genuinely inclusive work environment to improve attraction and retention rate of employees with impairment as a major contributor to achieving the Queensland Government's inclusive employment target of 8%
• providing subsidies to community organisations across Queensland to hold their events during Queensland Seniors Week
• implementing responses to recommendations made by the Final report of the Advisory Taskforce on Residential Transition for Ageing Queenslanders including the establishment of a housing helpline, an awareness campaign and host two summits of experts on banking, housing, real estate and the community
• implementing the Queensland: an age-friendly community Action Plan, including actions arising from recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into the adequacy of existing financial projects for Queensland’s seniors
• continuing to fund the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit and seniors legal and support services, including expanded services in five regional locations: Gladstone, Rockhampton, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Mackay and further investment to improve access for seniors to financial advice
• delivering the Elder Abuse Prevention campaign to raise community awareness
• working with state and territory representatives on the Council of Attorneys-General Working Group on Protecting the Rights of Older Australians to develop the national plan on elder abuse
• delivering the B.OLD short film festival to change negative perceptions of ageing and getting older
• delivering the Advancing Queensland: an age-friendly community grants program for 2018–19
• contributing to the development of the National Plan on Elder Abuse
• continuing to provide support for the two Queensland Government funded biosecurity trainees by investigating further employment pathways once their traineeships conclude
• continue to provide in-kind support to AgriFutures Australia to manage the Rural Women’s Award, which recognises and supports emerging female leaders for their contribution to agriculture
• releasing the first annual youth statement, reporting on implementation of the Queensland Youth Strategy—Building young Queenslanders for a global future, showcasing the strategy’s successes and identifying priorities going forward
• delivering Queensland Youth Week 2019 to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our state’s young people
• establishing the Queensland Youth Engagement Panel bringing together a group of young Queenslanders to represent their peers and networks to share ideas and insights with the government
• continuing to expand projects on the Youth e-Hub digital engagement portal inviting young people to have a say on issues of importance to them
• delivering the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program, providing young Queensland Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and learn about the state’s democratic processes
• delivering Queensland Women’s Week 2019 to support Queensland women and girls to improve their financial literacy and capability, and to raise awareness of the issues that contribute to women’s financial disadvantage and economic insecurity
• continuing to implement the Women on Boards initiative to increase women’s representation in leadership
• continuing to implement the Queensland Women’s Strategy 2016-21 and support initiatives included in the Community Implementation Plan
• continuing to provide Women’s Infolink, to inform and support women about issues affecting their wellbeing.

Infrastructure

• continuing construction of major upgrades to the M1 between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes and at the M1/M3/Gateway Merge as part of the Pacific Motorway Upgrade Master Plan, to reduce congestion and improve safety, delivering major economic benefits and reducing travel times for all motorists
• working with Brisbane City Council to deliver a world class transport network through Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro
• progressing the delivery of five new secondary schools at Ripley, Calliope, Mango Hill, Yarrabilba and Coomera; two new primary schools at Springfield West and Ripley; and a new special school at Caboolture
• continuing the development of the Inner City North and Inner City South State Secondary Colleges, West End State School expansion, Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology expansion, Queensland Ballet Academy at Kelvin Grove State College and master planning for 35 existing state schools across inner-Brisbane as a part of the $800 million Building Future Schools program
• investing $250 million over two years to deliver more classrooms and learning centres in more than 60 high schools across Queensland for the 2020 Ready initiative
• commencing the delivery of $235 million under the Renewing Our Schools program in 17 high schools across the state to enhance and upgrade facilities
• delivering the final instalment of the four-year, $300 million School Infrastructure Enhancement initiative
• completing the implementation of phase one of the $30 million Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Program (MIPP) which is working with 22 local governments and industry to assess 40 infrastructure project proposals, and delivering phase two of MIPP which is providing funding to local governments through a competitive grant process
• rolling out the $40 million Growth Area and Regional Infrastructure Fund to improve the prosperity and liveability of outer urban and regional communities
• continuing to monitor and report on delivery of the $180 million Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program, to fund significant infrastructure projects in key regional centres that respond to a community need or provide increased economic opportunities
• completing the roll out of the Emergency Vehicle Priority system, which provides a green traffic signal to approaching emergency vehicles, in Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Rockhampton and Gladstone
• commencing construction of the Brisbane International Cruise Ship Terminal to cater for the new generation of mega cruise ships that are unable to access existing infrastructure
• over its two-and-a-half-year construction period, the project is expected to support an average of 245 jobs each year and, once operational, it is predicted to safeguard up to 1250 existing cruise industry jobs and add a further 49 jobs a year
• delivering the $36 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund to support significant new tourism infrastructure projects across Queensland, which includes a $3 million business capability development program to enable tourism businesses to become more competitive, adaptive and resilient, so visitors can enjoy a consistently high standard of experience across the state
• seeking applications from relevant local governments for funding under Round 2 of the Transport and Tourism Connections program, with approximately $4 million in state funding available for priority projects
• continuing to negotiate and broker training, employment and business supply outcomes for Queensland Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples with government and industry investors in building and construction projects, with an emphasis on local benefits
• delivering the $20 million Household Resilience Program to assist eligible low-income households within 50 kilometres of the coast from Bundaberg north, up to Cape York and west to the Northern Territory border, to increase the resilience of their home against cyclone wind damage
• delivering the Smoke Alarm Program to install smoke alarms in approximately 71,000 government- owned dwellings to meet the new smoke alarm legislative requirements
• completing construction of the $44 million Queensland State Netball Centre to support netball players and teams at all levels from clubs, schools and junior development programs to senior and representative players
• delivering new or upgraded sport and recreation places and spaces, including the $9 million Underwood Sports Park, the $5.5 million Zillmere Sports Centre and the $7 million University of the Sunshine Coast Stadium
• releasing a digital infrastructure plan for Queensland to guide the planning, coordination and investment required to deliver better digital infrastructure outcomes
• implementing short, medium and long-term strategies to address the demand on the correctional system, and improve the safety of corrective services officers including by:
• expanding Capricornia Correctional Centre by continuing work on the committed 164 cells and beds and further expanding the centre by an additional 100 secure cells (up to 148 beds) within the initial funding package of $200 million allocated in 2016–17
• providing an additional $41 million over two years to deliver a further 84 cells and beds
• converting Southern Queensland Correctional Centre to a women’s prison
• investing $5 million for initial planning in 2018-19 of the $150 million new performing arts venue at QPAC and over $12 million in critical infrastructure works, asset renewal and future energy efficiency initiatives at the Queensland Cultural Centre in 2018–19
• the new performing arts venue will meet increased consumer demand for performing arts and position Queensland as an arts and cultural destination, increasing cultural tourism and the economic impact of the arts
• investing $6.95 million in 2018–19 of the $17.5 million Arts Infrastructure Investment Fund to refurbish the Cairns Centre of Contemporary Arts and the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts along with a capital grant for Queensland Theatre’s Bille Brown Studio
• continuing to represent the interest of the Department of Environment and Science and Queensland Science on plans for the development of the Boggo Road Health and Science Precinct
• continuing to upgrade and maintain QFES facilities to ensure the community is delivered an effective emergency services response
• developing the business case in conjunction with the City of Gold Coast, for the Stage 3A extension to the Gold Coast Light Rail, extending the current system from Broadbeach South station, down to Burleigh Heads
• continuing to deliver transport and road infrastructure across the state, through the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2018–19 to 2021–22, which outlines a record $21.7 billion in investment over the next four years
• commencing construction of the new Victoria Point Central bus station on Cleveland-Redland Bay Road providing improved customer access to surrounding activity centres, greater bus and passenger capacity to service future demand, travel time savings and operational efficiencies, delivering faster more reliable bus journeys
• continuing construction of the new Townsville City Bus Station being delivered by Townsville City Council with a $4 million contribution from the State Government, offering improved customer safety and comfort, and access to the central business district including Flinders Street, Ross Creek, and future waterfront redevelopments
• continuing the design of the $53 million Northern Transitway, a high quality public transport corridor proposed along Gympie Road, from Kedron to Chermside to:
• deliver bus priority from Kedron to Chermside bus station, improving the safety and capacity of this important link in the transport network
• support high frequency on-road bus services and enable reliable travel times, encouraging more people to use public transport and assist in managing congestion on the corridor and broader transport network
• continuing the design of the $22 million Eastern Transitway project delivering cost-effective bus priority improvements between Main Avenue, Coorparoo and Creek Road, Carindale
• the bus priority measures will be aimed at improving bus service reliability and travel times in peak periods, which will assist in managing congestion along the corridor
• commencing construction to install a lift to enable everyone to safely access platform two of the Queen Street Bus Station, and meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002
• continuing to roll out Braille bus stop indicators to assist customers with a disability to identify their intended bus stop
• progressing planning and delivery of the Queensland Government’s $114 million commitment to upgrade nine park ‘n’ ride facilities in SEQ, adding in the order of 2300 new spaces to the 30,000 plus existing spaces across the network, including expanding park ‘n’ ride capacity at: Eight Mile Plains bus station; Greenbank bus facility; Geebung train station; Virginia train station; Lawnton train station; Lindum train station; Springfield Central train station; Darra train station; and Salisbury train station
• completing the new multi-storey park ‘n’ ride facility at Mains Road in Nathan, delivering 680 commuter carparks
• completing construction works for the $515 million Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade project, delivering 13.5 kilometres of highway, five bridges—including a wider, higher level bridge over the Haughton River—two highway overpasses of open-level cane tramway crossings, rural intersection upgrades and wide centre line treatments
• completing construction on the $1.143 billion Gateway Upgrade North project involving the upgrade of the Gateway Motorway between Nudgee and Deagon, with additional pavement and safety works through to Bracken Ridge
• completing construction on the $12.5 million Landsborough Highway, Barcaldine South Upgrade project
• this project includes widening approximately 11 kilometres of the highway, installing drainage structures to improve flood immunity, fitting street lighting, and intersection and rest area upgrades
• continuing Stage 3 of Queensland’s Personalised Transport Horizon: Five year strategic plan for personalised transport services 2016-2021, involving the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that the outcomes of the reforms are monitored and the best approach to any further changes is adopted efficiently and effectively
• progressing the Bulimba Peninsula Transport and Congestion Study, which will inform future transport plans for the Bulimba area
• implementing Queensland’s revised and enhanced Livestock Loading Scheme
• delivering Queensland’s revised Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan
• commencing design of Queensland’s new public transport payment/ticketing system
• continuing to deliver accessibility upgrades as part of the Queensland Rail Station Upgrade Program, with construction works underway at Strathpine, Boondall and Morayfield
• delivering on the Non-Conforming Building Products Audit Taskforce Interim Report
• finalising the draft Queensland Freight Strategy for public release
• constructing infrastructure upgrades at Downer EDI’s Maryborough rail plant to enable the NGR train accessibility improvements
• working collaboratively across government to explore options for an export distribution centre pilot in regional Queensland, with $10 million in funding already committed from the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund to fund a business case and capital works
• providing $879,000 to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) for facility upgrades in North Queensland
• providing $500,000 to the Queensland Country Women’s Association for the preservation of heritage halls in rural and regional Queensland
• providing $300,000 to the Paws and Claws animal welfare organisation to assist with the purchase of land for relocation of its current animal shelter facilities.

Governance

• partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to commence implementation of the Queensland Government’s response to the Queensland Productivity Commission Inquiry into service delivery into remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, a long-term commitment involving developing a community-led approach to service delivery reform
• partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to progress the Closing the Gap refresh where community members and government work together to agree on priorities for improving outcomes
• partnering with Reconciliation Australia, Reconciliation Queensland Incorporated and all Queensland Government agencies to implement the Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan 2018–2021
• continuing the development of the Aurukun Statement of Community Values and Education Campaign
• continuing to leverage the strategic partnerships agreements with stakeholders across the government, health, resources, tourism, construction, and agriculture sectors to improve service delivery efficiency and employment and business supply outcomes for Queensland Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• establishing the Queensland First Children and Families Board bringing a strong cultural perspective to oversee, guide and advise on implementation of the Our Way: A generational strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families 2017–2037 and Changing Tracks: An action plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families 2017-2019, and supporting the development of further action plans
• continuing to facilitate the Strategic Advisory Group for the Queensland Government’s Toward Gender Parity: Women on Boards initiative to provide strategic advice to support the development, implementation and evaluation of the initiative
• working with stakeholders to refine and evolve the Framework for Place-based Approaches to establish a shared understanding of the roles of government, community and industry in developing local responses to community needs
• contributing to the delivery of reform directions that improve government participation in place-based approaches and mechanisms for sharing best-practice learnings
• continuing to support the operation of Early Years Places where families can access multiple services or referrals to specialist services, for their children and themselves across Queensland
• progressing the Public Safety Agencies ICT Strategy and Roadmap 2018–22 to build and enhance ICT capability across the public safety agencies, including first responder technology, public safety response technology enhancements and ICT Foundations technology transformations
• rolling out a recordkeeping transformation program with the aim to improve the standard of recordkeeping in government
• finalising the delivery, reporting, dissolution and transfer of knowledge for GC2018
• continuing to evaluate Embracing 2018 Legacy Program initiatives to determine project outcomes
• working with local governments to continue building their capacity and assist in monitoring and managing their performance and sustainability
• commencing the new councillor complaints system by establishing the Office of the Independent Assessor, appointing the Independent Assessor and members of the Councillor Conduct Tribunal, introducing a mandatory Code of Conduct for Councillor behaviour and providing online and face to face training for councillors on the Code of Conduct and new complaints system
• advising and training councillors and staff on the new and strengthened legislative requirements for managing conflicts of interest and material personal interest, bans on political donations by property developers, and suspension and dismissal of councillors and councils
• implementing the remainder of the Queensland Government’s reform agenda for local government to reinforce integrity, minimise the risk of corruption and provide for increased transparency and accountability
• working with stakeholders to respond to and implement recommendations from the Review of Grants to Local Government: Current and Future State Assessments
• facilitating greater coordination of disaster resilience activities across state and local governments through a variety of projects being delivered as part of Resilient Queensland 2018–2021
• supporting the delivery of initiatives such as:
• the Premier’s Business Advisory Council through providing an opportunity for leaders in the business community to work with the Queensland Government to help shape policy and initiatives that create jobs and strengthen the Queensland economy
• the Townsville Community Champion focusing on addressing youth crime to assist the facilitation of the community engagement process
• continuing to work under a MOU between the TMR (Fitzroy District), Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council and Central Highlands Regional Council to develop a sustainable works program for the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council
• continuing the Transport Academic Partnership agreement between the TMR, Motor Accident Insurance Commission and three university partners; Griffith University, QUT and UQ
• the purpose of TAP is to build transport research excellence, innovation and capability in Queensland, as well as foster a collaborative partnership between government, industry and the academic sector
• continuing to deliver national heavy vehicle legislative reforms through maintenance of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland) 2018 passed through the Queensland Parliament, providing benefits and consistency to Queensland’s road transport industry
• working with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to roll-out a number of key National Heavy Vehicle Notices, which will assist industry efficiency and reduce permit burden
• hosting regional DestinationQ events to facilitate ongoing engagement between the tourism industry and government
• working in partnership across government agencies to further develop Queensland’s relationship with the Open Worldwide Innovation Network, with the aim to provide collaboration and investment in Queensland Science
• collaborating with members of AgMAC to identify future opportunities and challenges across Queensland’s agricultural sector
• continuing to deliver the One-Stop Service to the broader Queensland community.